Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Monica Cepero
Department: County Administration Division: Parks & Recreation
Information
Requested Action
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A. MOTION TO APPROVE Grant Agreement (“Agreement”) between Broward County and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (“FDACS”) in the amount of $50,000 for the removal and/or remedial pruning of at-risk trees at Easterlin Park campground; to authorize the County Administrator to execute subsequent amendments to the Agreement that impose no additional financial obligations on the County, and certifications or other similar supporting documentation requested by FDACS relating to the Agreement, all subject to review and approval for legal sufficiency by the County Attorney’s Office; and to authorize the County Administrator to take the necessary administrative and budgetary actions to implement and administer the Agreement.
B. MOTION TO ADOPT budget Resolution within the Parks Federal Grants Fund for the Parks and Recreation Division in the amount of $50,000 for the removal and/or remedial pruning of at-risk trees at Easterlin Park campground. (Commission District 8)
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Why Action is Necessary
Pursuant to Section 20.31(b)(3) of the Broward County Administrative Code, grant agreements to be executed by Broward County must be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for approval. Section 129.06(d), Florida Statutes, requires Board approval to recognize grant funding not anticipated in the current budget.
What Action Accomplishes
Approves the $50,000 Grant Agreement for the removal and/or remedial pruning of at-risk trees at Easterlin Park campground and authorizes the County Administrator to approve and execute subsequent change orders and amendments, and to take administrative and budgetary actions to implement the Agreement.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☒County Commission
☐Go Green
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Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
THE PARKS AND RECREATION DIVISION RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
The requested action supports the Board’s goal of ensuring accessible, seamlessly integrated investments in renewable energy, sustainable practices, manufacturing, resilient infrastructure, and environmental protection; specifically, as it relates to environmental protection.
The USDA Forest Service, through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (“FDACS”), awarded Broward County a $50,000 Urban and Community Forestry - Inflation Reduction Act grant to be used for the removal and/or remedial pruning of at-risk trees at Easterlin Park campground (the “Project”). The funding for the grant will be distributed by the FDACS on a reimbursement basis, and no matching of funds is required by the County.
The primary purpose of the Urban and Community Forestry - Inflation Reduction Act grant program is to promote better urban forest management and to provide resources necessary for the retention and expansion of community tree canopy throughout the State of Florida. Trees are a vital component of urban infrastructure but must be properly managed to maximize the benefits they provide the community. By properly managing their tree infrastructure, communities can increase property values, tourism appeal, and the physical and mental health of residents, while reducing storm water runoff, energy consumption, and air and water pollution. Community forest management also helps to identify public safety hazards to residents and structures and is a useful tool in storm preparation.
Easterlin Park is a 46.6-acre regional park within the Broward County Parks System. It is a Designated Urban Wilderness Area and contains a campground that has 45 full-hook-up RV sites and 10 additional sites. A tree survey noted that there are many trees at risk of failing around these campgrounds. The County will hire an outside contractor to assist in the removal and/or remedial pruning of the failing trees and the disposal of the trees offsite. The project will be supervised by Parks personnel familiar with the park and tree issues, including ISA-certified arborists.
This grant agreement is on FDACS’ standard form and does not include the County’s standard terms and conditions. The agreement requires the County to indemnify FDACS for claims alleged to be called in whole or in part by the County but does not require the County to indemnify FDACS for any portion of any loss or damage caused by the negligent act or omission of FDACS.
Source of Additional Information
Dan West, Director, Parks and Recreation, 954-357-8106
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
This $50,000 grant is funded by USDA Forest Services, managed through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. There is no County match required.